Embracing Lent/Embracing the Cross

How is your Lenten experience going?

Have you been able to slow down and sense the presence of God in your Life?

When I get to a place in my life when I feel trapped, alone, or lost, I recall an experience I had last spring.

One morning I went out to the patio house to stain some boards, and there I saw about eight butterflies trapped inside. I have learned from past experience that once a butterfly comes in they seldom find a way out. They only go out when they are swept from the patio floor.

I decided right then that that wouldn’t happen to these little butterflies. I was determined to rescue each and every one of them. The first rescue went quite easily. I carefully cupped my hands around the little creature so as not to damage its wings, and then I moved swiftly toward the door.

What a good feeling it was when I opened my hands and saw it flutter to a nearby tree. This was going to be easy I thought as I went after another butterfly. As luck would have it, the next two butterflies sat on the screen waiting for me to carry them outside.

My next rescue attempt went quite differently, the butterfly fluttered and flapped its wings desperately. I was fearful that it would be hurt so I gave up on that one for a while.

In the space of an hour all of the butterflies were free. Some were easy to rescue and some were not.

Could it be, I wonder, that we are like helpless butterflies; we wander into destructive behavior and become powerless to find the door to freedom.

How eager God is to rescue us if we will wait with love and trust for those strong, gentle hands to enfold us and take us to safety.

The last little butterfly lingered on my finger for a little while, turned in my direction, and gently moved its wings up and down. I love you too, I said, as it lifted itself in to the air.

What are some behaviors that have entrapped me in my journey?

Which butterfly do I imitate in my walk with Christ?

Who are the people in my life who help me when I feel trapped, alone, or lost?

Do I realize that to be truly free I must seek the will of God in my life?

“Create in me a clean heart, oh God; and renew a right spirit in me.” Psalm 51, vs. 10

Vivian Damratowski
Associate, Servants of Mary